Just say 'No'

My recent article in the school newsletter...

Happy Dundee Kids being introduced to Gizmo, the baby croc
 at a lesson on becoming Croc-Wise!

    

     I recently read an article which defined many kids today as suffering from ‘affluenza.  These are children who have a sense of entitlement and are fully aware of their rights, but fail to understand the partner concept of responsibility. 

     While it would be nice to give our kids everything they want,  it is even more  important to empower them with the knowledge that they are smart and strong and don’t need the latest gadget to attract friends or feel worthwhile. 

     Kids need to stumble and fall while they are still not too far from the ground, and have people around who love them.  It is only by falling that we learn how  to get up again.  It is only by falling that we learn it is even possible to get up again. 

     Kids need to be told ‘no’ in order to develop coping skills for when the big stuff happens: a loved one dies, a job doesn’t come through: a broken heart.

     Saying ‘no’ to your child, and  sticking to your guns,  physically changes the brains construct.. When things go wrong, pathways have already been created in the brain and there are options.  A person with choices is far less likely to choose drugs or commit suicide. 

Lets help our kids grow in every way possible!  Show your child you love them: when you really want to say no… Do It!